I’ve had these gorgeous multicolored cherry tomatoes sitting on my kitchen counter just staring at me all week. I finally knew what I wanted to do with them-Bruschetta! But I didn’t want to make the plain old restaurant style Bruschetta. I’ve wanted to make something to show off the gorgeous colors of the tomatoes. Puttanesca Bruschetta does just that!

Puttanesca Bruschetta, now if that isn’t a mouthful, I don’t know what is.

But it is a mouthful of deliciousness. Truly.

Read further for the recipe for this amazing appetizer and an ode to one of my oldest friends!

Thank goodness we were friends before iPhone cameras and Facebook…right?
…

Well, now that the solar eclipse craziness is over for a few years (or at least until 2024!) we can all get back to our lives and stow away those hard won eclipse glasses for next time, right? Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate well where I live and so even though we were predicted to have about 82% totality, all I saw was a bunch of storm clouds. A bummer, for sure, but definitely not as disappointing as if we had driven down to Nebraska to try and catch totality! Did any of you get great eclipse views? While waiting for the eclipse yesterday, I had a huge craving for something salty and crunchy. Despite my love of baking, I really do prefer salty snacks. One of my favorite savory treats is the Tostitos Hint of Lime Chips. I can’t get enough of that salty, lime-y crunch. After a weekend of food indulgences, however, I figured I had better try for a healthier treat that would satisfy my need for crunch. So, after a rummage through the pantry, these salty, crispy Roasted Chickpeas with a Hint of Lime were born and eclipse snack time was a huge success. …

I recently hosted bookclub at my house and I have to admit I’m always excited about putting together the menu. My bookclub is the most fantastic group of gals that have been noshing, sipping and gabbing since 2009-that’s almost EIGHT years now! We do always discuss the book at some point during the night (if only to validate our name as a book club for our significant others) but first we dig into the spread provided by the hostess with the mostess. This time around while hosting, I wanted to create some food that could be appreciated by my vegan friend (hi Kata!) and that’s the beginning of these Vegan Mushroom Pesto Tartlets….

I recently read a book where all of the characters went outside of their comfort zones and ended up reaping some great rewards. I truly wouldn’t have believed how much greatness was going to come from going outside of my culinary comfort zone! I decided to dabble in vegan cooking-and YOU GUYS…!!!!

New Year’s Eve is tomorrow can you believe it? I think we would all agree that 2016 has done it’s damage (spectacularly I would add) and it is time for it to go. I personally, am quite excited for 2017 for a whole host of reasons, but especially because I have a lot of ideas for things to bring you on the blog. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s start with these Thai Meatballs, the perfect appetizer to help ring in the New Year!…

Deck the halls with boughs of holly… Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la. My cards are out, my tree is up and I’ve started my Christmas shopping. It even snowed last night…the holidays are here! And with the holidays here, you ‘ll likely be entertaining. Usually the idea of entertaining makes me want to hide in bed, but not since I’ve found this easy make ahead appetizer! Lemony White Beans -a simple appetizer that can up your entertaining game. Now hurry up and get out of your pajamas-you’ve got people coming over! …

I learned about a new food this weekend and I thought it only fair to share it with you! (Especially since I was thinking: Where have you been all of my life?). I had made my favorite sauce in the whole wide world (Cilantro Lime sauce, in case you missed the post) and was looking for something special to do with it. Something my entire family would like. Something that wasn’t my “same old”. I found it in Pulled Pork Sopes, and we’ll be making it many more times in the coming months….

Having spent my teens and most of my twenties as a vegetarian (gasp!), I came to appreciate the beauty of an easily customizable recipe. Now, with a three year old in the house, I still appreciate a recipe that I can easily adapt to any dietary restrictions or picky eaters at my table. These Fresh Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce certainly fit the bill. Quick, customizable, fresh, and full of flavor, summer rolls are also perfect for those sticky dog days of summer when turning on the oven is the last thing you want to do!…

I’m always on the lookout for a crowd pleasing, easy, appetizer for those last minute get togethers or weekends at the lake. This recipe for Pesto Caprese Dip is one of those recipes that I make again and again that requires minimal effort but packs a maximal punch. It requires only a few ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before you’re ready to serve it, which makes it perfect for entertaining. The Pesto Caprese Dip takes advantage of the late summer bounty of cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, but if you have a source for good basil in the winter, it’s really a great recipe year round. Even my picky eater husband (who hates tomatoes!) gobbles it up. It’s rare that there are any left overs! The recipe is adapted from an appetizer a neighbor and dear friend (Hi Kara!) shared with me last summer (find the original here) and I’ve tweaked it over time to reflect my personal tastes but I will say, the original is a mighty fine option as well, particularly if you’ve run out of pesto or just don’t like it….

Now that it is almost the middle of summer (can you believe it?), I am turning to recipes with less ingredients, less fuss and more vegetables. This Zucchini Hummus Dip fits the bill in all categories. In fact, you won’t believe how easy it is! Just a few simple ingredients and you will have a party worthy appetizer. Have some extra time? Make the hummus and pesto from scratch (hummus recipe here). In a hurry? Buy your favorite hummus and pesto from the store, and this dip will take you no more than 10 minutes to throw together!…